Agricultural implements

ABSTRACT

Agricultural tilling implements are described. In some embodiments the implements are adapted for deep tilling of soil between growing row crops, in which embodiments a horizontal shield member is detachably secured to a depending shank. The front edge of the shield is sloped upwardly. The shield prevents soil from being thrown upwardly and onto the top of growing row crops during tilling between the rows. The shield also guides loosened soil around the base of growing crops in the rows. In one embodiment the implement includes downwardly depending plate members beneath the shield to urge soil outwardly from the shank to the row crops to form a hill in each row without covering the crops. In another embodiment a V-shaped ditcher is disposed beneath the shield for forming a trench or ditch between adjacent rows of crops. Both embodiments include adjustable wing members or deflectors at the trailing edge of each plate member to control the amount of loosened soil which is urged outwardly to the row crops.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending applicationSer. No. 07/066,489, filed June 26, 1987, U.S. Pat. No. 4,754,227 whichis a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 929,189filed Nov. 10, 1986 U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,253.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to tilling implements of the type used in theagricultural tilling. More particularly, this invention relates totilling implements which are useful for tillage of soil between growingrow crops. In another embodiment this invention relates to ditchingimplements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Agricultural tillers of various types have been previously described andused since man began growing crops for food. Some of these prior tillersare described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 311,909; 464,102; 589,337;668,178; 687,115; 990,738; 1,359,404; 2,065,174; 2,241,276; 4,415,042;and 4,618,006.

There have not previously been described, however, tillers of the typeprovided by this invention.

In my prior filed applications, identified above there is described, inone embodiment, an improvement to an agricultural ripper tillerimplement for deep tilling of soil between growing row crops. The tilleris of the type having a downwardly depending shank and a shoe membercarried by the lower end of the shank. The improvement comprises ashield member which is adapted to be detachably secured to the shank ina generally horizontal plane. The front edge of the shield is slopedupwardly, and the shield extends outwardly from opposite sides of theshank.

The shield is positioned on the shank in a manner such that when theshank and the shoe are pulled through the soil the shield member enablessoil to move outwardly from the shank to the row crops without coveringthe crops. The shield member also prevents large clumps and clods ofdirt from being thrown upwardly by the shank and shoe. The shield alsoassures that the ground is closed behind the shank so as to keep thesoil from drying out.

The shield member preferably is vertically adjustable on the shank. Thisenables the ripper to be used at any desired depth in the soil. Theshield member preferably is at or just slightly above ground level whenthe shank and shoe are in the soil at the desired depth.

In another embodiment described in my said prior applications the shieldmember is used and a pair of downwardly depending plate members isdisposed under the shield. The plate members are angled outwardly fromfront to rear so that they form a V-shape, with the apex being theleading edge. One such plate member is positioned on each side of theshank.

Thus, when the shank and shoe are pulled through the soil, the shieldmember and the plate members urge the soil outwardly from the shank tothe row crops to form a hill in each row without covering the crops.Preferably the top edges of the plate members are firmly secured to thebottom of the shield (e.g., by welding or by bolting them to theshield).

In yet another embodiment in my said prior applications there isprovided a ditching implement which is useful for ditching soil betweenrow crops. This implement includes a shank member, a shield memberattached to the shank in a generally horizontal plane, a V-shaped platemember disposed beneath the shield member, and support means forsupporting the shank (e.g., a conventional tool bar).

When the V-shaped plate member is pulled through the soil the shieldmember and the V-shaped plate member urge the soil outwardly from theshank to form a ditch between the row crops. The ditch is verybeneficial for movement of water when irrigating the row crops.

Another improvement described in my said prior applications relates toadjustable wing members or deflectors to be used in conjunction with theditching implement and the tilling implement used to form a hill in eachrow of growing row crops.

The use of adjustable wing members or deflectors enables the implementsto be used between adjacent rows of growing row crops regardless of thespacing or distance between adjacent rows. The wing members are carriedat the trailing edge of the V-shaped plates under the shield member.Each wing member can be adjusted, as desired, to control the amount ofloosened soil which is pushed toward the rows of growing crops. Byangling the wing members farther outwardly the amount of loosened soilis pushed farther outwardly.

Other advantages of the implements of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in more detail hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer tothe same parts throughout the several views and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of agricultural tilling implementof this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the tilling implement shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of agriculturaltilling implement of FIG. 1 (without the shank present);

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment of agriculturaltilling implement of this shown in FIG. 1 (without the shank present);

FIG. 5 is a top view of another embodiment of agricultural implement ofthe invention; this implement is useful for forming ditches or trenchesbetween row crops;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of implement whichis shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the implement of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the implement shown in FIG. 5(without the shank present);

FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment of agricultural implement ofthis invention;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of implement shownin FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the embodiment of implement shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 there is shown one embodiment of agriculturaltilling implement 10 of the invention which includes downwardlydepending shank 12 which may carry a conventional shoe member on thelower end thereof. A shield member is detachably secured to the shank ina generally horizontal plane and is spaced above the shoe by severalinches (e.g., about 8 to 16 inches) depending upon the depth at whichone desires to put the shank and shoe into the soil for tilling.

The shield member conveniently comprises two sections 17 and 18 whichare connected together, with the shank 12 between them, by means ofbolts 23. In this manner the shield member may be detached from theshank, if desired, and it may be adjusted vertically to any desiredheight relative to the shoe on the shank. Preferably the height of theshield is adjusted such that it is at or near ground level when the shoeand shank are in the soil at the desired depth. Preferably a smallshield or plate 20 is connected between shield sections 17 and 18 aheadof the leading edge of shank 12. Bolts 22 may be used to secure plate 20to the large shield sections. Preferably shield or plate 20 extends backto the leading edge of shank 12, as shown. Alternatively, shield orplate 20 may be welded to one of the shields 17 or 18.

The leading edge of each shield is sloped upwardly as shown so that theshield member prevents soil from passing over the top of the shieldmember during tilling.

Each shield section 17 and 18 projects outwardly from a respective sideof the shank 12 several inches (typically at least about 8 inches oneach side). The shield member also projects forwardly of the shank a fewinches (e.g., at least about 4 or 6 inches).

The desired width of the shield member is dependent upon the spacingbetween adjacent rows of growing crops. For example, when the crops arein rows which are 30 inches apart, the shield should extend outwardly atleast 9 inches on each side of the shank. For a shank which is 1 inchwide this would mean that the span from one side of the shield member tothe opposite side would be 19 inches. When the implement is operatedbetween rows having 30 inch spacing the edges of the shield member wouldbe about 6 inches from each row. When the row spacing is greater than 30inches th shield member may be wider than 19 inches in span. When therow spacing is very narrow (e.g., 20-22 inches), the total span of theshield member may be as narrow as about 9 inches.

Generally speaking, for use between growing row crops, each section ofthe shield member on the shank should be at least about 4 inches wideand may be as much as 14 inches wide. The shield preferably projectsforwardly of the shank a few inches, as shown, and may extend forwardlyof the shank several inches.

For deep tilling of soil the shoe may be about 8 to 16 inches deep inthe soil. The shield member is appropriately adjusted on the shank suchthat it is at or near ground level when the shoe is at the desired depthfor tilling.

The shield member prevents soil clumps from being thrown out of theground and onto the growing crops during tilling between the rows. Theshield member also assures that loosened soil moves outwardly smoothlytoward the rows and that the soil becomes mixed. The shield memberfurther closes the ground behind the shank as it moves through the soil.This keeps the ground from drying out quickly. The loosened soil thenalso accepts water rapidly and prevents run-off and soil erosion.

It has been observed that the shield member is beneficial in anotherrespect also. It flattens the loose soil between the rows to leave awide flat area. For example, between rows having a spacing of about 30inches or so, the shield member leaves a flat central path of about 12inches in width. This path is very beneficial for movement of irrigationwater between adjacent rows without the loosened soil damming up betweenthe rows to stop the flow of irrigation water.

The shield member illustrated herein may be attached to any type ofripper shank. For example, it may be attached to a conventional straightshank or curved shank. Any type of shoe may be used on the shank. As iswell known and understood in the art, the ripper shank is supported by atool bar or frame which is connected to the farm tractor for towingthrough the field. Typically the implement includes a plurality ofripper shanks so that the soil between several rows may be tilled in onepass through the field.

Below the shield members are two plate members 24 and 25. The front edgeof each plate is disposed adjacent the front or leading edge of shank12, while the trailing end of each plate is spaced outwardly from theshank so that the two plates are in a generally V-shape.

Preferably the top edge of each plate is secured to the bottom side ofthe shield member (e.g., with bolts or by welding). Preferably, a bracemember 26 is connected between the rear portions of the plate members 24and 25 as illustrated. The brace may be in the form of a metal bar orstrip or it may be a wide metal plate, if desired. Optionally, the rearedge of the shield member may extend over the wing members which aredescribed hereafter.

The height of each plate 24 and 25 may vary, for example, from about 5to 10 inches. The length may also vary, for example, from about 8 to 15inches or so.

Behind the trailing edge of plate members 24 and 25 there are providedadjustable wing members or deflectors 30 and 40, respectively. Each wingmember is a few inches high and a few inches long. A typical height isabout 6 inches, and the typical length is about 4 inches. If desired,however, the wing members may have a length of only about 2 inches orso. For example, when the implement is used between very narrow rows(e.g., 20-22 inches) the wing members may have a length of about 2 to2.5 inches.

The purpose of the wing members is to push loosened soil outwardly awayfrom the tiller and toward the rows of growing row crops. The greaterthe extent to which the wing members are angled outwardly, the greateris the amount of loosened soil which is pushed outwardly toward therows.

Each wing member is movably adjustable as illustrated. Each wing memberis fastened to an anchor 31, and bracket 33 connects each anchor tobrace member 26. Bolt 32 secures each bracket 33 to anchor 31. Bolt 34secures each bracket 33 to brace member 26. Each bracket 33 includes aslotted aperture 35, as shown, to provide adjustability. Thus, byloosening the bolts 32 and 34, each wing member may be pivoted orrotated relative to the trailing edge of each plate member. When thewing member is in the desired position, the bolts 32 and 34 may betightened again to secure the wing member in place.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the trailing edge of plates 24 and 25include one or more stop members 24A and 25A against which the leadingedge of the wing member may rest. Each stop member serves to retain theleading edge of a wing member at the trailing edge of the plate member.

If desired, the leading edge of each wing member could be hinged to thetrailing edge of the plate member. This is illustrated in FIGS. 9-11,which are discussed in detail hereafter. Alternatively, each wing membermay be hinged to a support bracket carried by the brace member.

This arrangement is very beneficial for urging soil outwardly from theshank during tilling and moving the soil gently around the base ofgrowing plants in the rows in a controlled manner. Thus, the soil urgedtoward the plants forms a desirable hill in each row around the plantsand covers small weeds in the row. The shield also closes the soilbehind the shank and reduces soil erosion.

The wing members serve to increase the extent to which loosened soil isurged outwardly toward the rows of growing crops so that larger hillsare formed in the rows around the base of the plants. By angling thewing members farther outwardly, they push the loosened soil fartheroutwardly. Thus, the tiller implement may be used in fields of rowcrops, regardless of the spacing between adjacent rows.

In FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 there is illustrated a ditching implement 50 ofthe invention which is attached to the lower end of a downwardlydepending shank 52. The ditching implement includes a horizontal shieldmember comprising sections 47 and 48. The front edge of the shield issloped upwardly as illustrated, and a small plate or shield 49 ispreferably connected between sections 47 and 48 and may be welded orbolted to one or both of such sections.

Disposed beneath the shield member is a V-shaped plate member 45 havingoutwardly flaring wings, as illustrated. Preferably the top edges of theplate member 45 are secured to the bottom of the shield sections (e.g.,by welding or with bolts). The apex 46 of the plate member 45 is theleading edge.

When this ditching implement is pulled through the soil the shield andthe V-shaped plate member urge soil outwardly from the shank to form aditch between the rows of growing crops. The resulting ditch is usefulwhen irrigating the growing crops. This implement also urges soiltowards the growing crops and covers small weeds in the row.

The shank 12 may be, for example, 1 inch by 3 inches and about 36 incheslong. The upper end of the shank is attached to a conventional tool baror frame for towing through the field.

The plate member 45 is, for example, about 5 to 10 inches in height. Thelength of each side of the plate member may also vary, for example, fromabout 8 to 15 inches or so.

The shield sections in implement 50 may be attached to shank 52 by meansof bolts 53, as illustrated. Preferably the vertical flange of eachshield section includes a slotted aperture 51 so that the shield and theplate member 45 may be tilted upwardly or downwardly, as desired.

In this embodiment the rear or trailing portion of each side of platemember 45 includes a wing member or deflector (denoted as 60 on one sideand 70 on the other side). The wings or plates serve to increase theextent to which loosened soil is urged outwardly toward the rows ofgrowing crops so that larger hills are formed in the rows around thebase of the plants. The wing members or deflectors 60 and 70 may vary insize (e.g. they may be, for example, 6 inches high and 4 inches long),and they project outwardly, as illustrated. If desired, the wing membersmay have a length of only about 2 inches or so. For example, when theimplement is used between very narrow rows (e.g., 20-22 inches) the wingmembers may have a length of about 2 to 2.5 inches.

Each wing member or deflector 60 and 70 is movably adjustable asillustrated. Each wing member is fastened to an anchor 61, and bracket63 connects each anchor to brace member 66. Bolt 62 secures each bracket63 to anchor 61. Bolt 64 secures each bracket 63 to brace member 66.Each bracket 63 includes a slotted aperture 65, as shown, to provideadjustability. Thus, by loosening the bolts 62 and 64, each wing membermay be pivoted or rotated relative to the trailing edge of each platemember. When the wing member is in the desired position, the bolts 62and 64 may be tightened again to secure the wing member in place.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, each trailing edge of plate 45 includes oneor more stop members 45A and 46A against which the leading edge of thewing members may rest. Each stop member serves to retain the leadingedge of a wing member at the trailing edge of the plate member.

If desired, the leading edge of each wing member could be hinged to thetrailing edge of the plate member. This is illustrated in FIGS. 9-11,which are discussed in detail hereafter. Alternatively, each wing membermay be hinged to a support bracket carried by the brace member.

It is also possible to provide a mounting bracket (having a plurality ofspaced apertures therein) which is supported by the brace member. Thenthe mounting anchor or arm on the rear of the wing member can be securedto the mounting bracket at any desired location to provide the desiredangle between the wing member and the plate. Alternatively, the mountinganchor or arm could include a plurality of apertures to provide foradjustable mounting to the mounting bracket, or both the mounting anchorand mounting bracket could include a plurality of apertures. Otherequivalent means for adjustable mounting of the wing members could alsobe used.

Although the wing members are illustrated in the drawings as having aflat face, it is also possible for the face to be cured (e.g., it may beconcave surface), if desired. Also, if desired, the rear edge of theshields 47 and 48 could extend over the wing members.

The wing members could have the same height as the plate members theyare associated with, if desired, or they may have a height less than theheight of the plate members (as illustrated in the drawings). In otherwords, the wing members could extend downwardly to the lower edge of theplate member, if desired, but this is not required.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the wing members 80 and 82 may be hingedto the rear or trailing edges of plate 84 of the hiller implement 75 bymeans of hinges 85. One portion 85A of each hinge is welded or bolted toeach wing member while another portion 85B of each hinge is welded orbolted to a rear edge of plate 84. The two hinge portions are joined bymeans of a pin 85C which allows the hinge portion 85A to pivot withrespect to hinge portion 85B. FIG. 9 is a top view of the implement.FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the same implement. FIG. 11 is abottom view of the same implement.

An arm or ear member 81 is welded or secured to the back side of wingmember 80, and arm or ear member 83 is welded or secured to the backside of wing member 82, as illustrated. Leg or brace members 86 and 87are connected, respectively, between ear members 81 and 83 and braceplate 88 which is secured between the two sides of plate 84. Bolts 86Aand 86B secure leg member 86 to ear 81 and brace plate 88. Bolts 87A and87B secure leg member 87 to ear 83 and brace plate 88.

Preferably brace plate 88 includes a plurality of spaced apertures 88Ato enable the ends of leg members 86 and 87 to be secured to brace plate88 at different locations. This enables the angle of each wing memberwith respect to plate 84 to be changed, if desired. Thus, by looseningbolts 86A and 87A and by removing bolts 86B and 87B, the wings 80 and 82may be pivoted to any desired degree. Then the bolts can be tightened tosecure the wings in the desired position again.

Although FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a ditcher implement, the same arrangementfor hinged wing members is equally applicable to hiller implements ofthe type illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

The hinges illustrated herein may be secured, for example, by welding tothe wing members and the plates. Alternatively, the hinges may be boltedto the wings and the plates. Of course, a combination of welding andbolts may also be used.

Other variants are possible without departing from the scope of thisinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. In an agricultural ripper tiller implement fordeep tilling of soil between growing row crops, wherein said implementincludes a downwardly depending shank and a shoe member carried by thelower end of said shank; wherein the improvement comprises a shieldmember which is adapted to be detachably secured to said shank in agenerally horizontal plane; wherein the front edge of said shield memberis sloped upwardly; wherein said shield member extends outwardly fromopposite sides of said shank at least about 8 inches; further comprisingfirst and second downwardly depending plate members having front andrear portions, wherein said first plate member is disposed beneath saidshield member on one side of said shank and said second plate member isdisposed beneath said shield member on the opposite side of said shank;wherein the front portion of each said plate member is disposed adjacentthe front edge of said shank, and wherein the rear portion of each saidplate member is spaced outwardly from said shank in a manner such thatsaid plate members form a V-shape; further comprising first and secondwing members supported at said rear portion of said first and secondplate members, respectively; wherein each said wing member is movablyadjustable in a manner such that it may project outwardly from said rearportion of a said plate member; wherein said shield member is positionedon said shank in a manner such that when said shank and shoe are pulledthrough the soil said shield member and said plate members urge saidsoil outwardly from said shank to said row crops to form a hill in eachsaid row without covering said crops.
 2. The improvement of claim 1,wherein said shield member comprises first and second sections which areconnected to each other, with said shank being disposed between saidsections.
 3. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said shield memberextends forwardly of said shank at least about 4 inches.
 4. Theimprovement of claim 1, wherein said shield member is verticallyadjustable on said shank.
 5. The improvement of claim 2, wherein saidfirst and second sections are bolted together; and wherein saidimprovement further comprises a third section which extends between saidfirst and second sections in front of said shank.
 6. The improvement ofclaim 1, wherein the top edges of said first and second plate membersare secured to said shield member.
 7. The improvement of claim 1,wherein each said plate member has a height of at least about 6 inchesand a length of at least about 8 inches.
 8. The improvement of claim 1,wherein a brace member is connected between said rear portions of saidplate members; wherein said first and second wing members are eachattached to separate mounting brackets; and wherein said mountingbrackets are adjustably mounted to said brace member in a manner suchthat the angle between each said wing member and corresponding platemember may be increased or decreased.
 9. The improvement of claim 8,wherein each said wing member is hinged to said rear portion of saidplate member.
 10. A ditching implement which is useful for ditching soilbetween row crops, said implement comprising:(a) a depending shankmember; (b) a shield member attached to said shank in a generallyhorizontal plane; wherein the front edge of said shield member is slopedupwardly; wherein said shield member extends outwardly from oppositesides of said shank at least about 8 inches; (c) a V-shaped plate memberdisposed beneath said shield member; wherein said plate member includesfirst and second trailing edges; (d) first and second wing members;wherein said first wing member is supported at said first trailing edgeof said plate member; wherein said second wing member is supported atsaid second trailing edge of said plate member; wherein each said wingmember is movably adjustable in a manner such that it may projectoutwardly from a said trailing edge of said plate member; (e) supportmeans adapted to support said shank member;wherein when said V-shapedplate member is pulled through the soil said shield member, saidV-shaped plate member, and said wing members urge said soil outwardlyfrom said shank to form a ditch between said row crops.
 11. A ditchingimplement in accordance with claim 10, wherein the top edge of saidV-shaped plate member is secured to the bttom of said shield member. 12.A ditching implement in accordance with claim 10, wherein said shieldmember is attached to said shank by means of bolts; wherein said shieldmember includes a slotted aperture for receiving one of said bolts;wherein said shield member may be tilted downwardly or upwardly relativeto said shank.
 13. A ditching implement in accordance with claim 10,wherein said V-shaped plate member comprises first and second plateswhich are secured to each other at their leading ends.
 14. A ditchingimplement in accordance with claim 10, wherein said plates each have aheight of about 5 to 10 inches and a length of about 10 to 15 inches.15. A ditching implement in accordance with claim 10, wherein saidsupport means comprises a tool bar.
 16. A ditching implement inaccordance with claim 13, further comprising a brace member connectedbetween said plates; wherein said first and second wing members are eachattached to separate mounting brackets; and wherein said mountingbrackets are adjustably mounted to said brace member in a manner suchthat the angle between each said wing member and each said plate may beincreased or decreased.
 17. A ditching implement in accordance withclaim 16, wherein each said wing member is hinged to a said trailingedge of said plate member.
 18. In an agricultural ripper implement fordeep tilling of soil between growing row crops, wherein said implementincludes a downwardly depending shank and a shoe member carried by thelower end of the shank; wherein a shield member is adapted to bedetachably secured to said shank in a generally horizontal plane;wherein the improvement comprises first and second downwardly dependingplate members having front and rear portions, wherein said first platemember is disposed beneath said shield member on one side of said shankand said second plate member is disposed beneath said shield member onthe opposite side of said shank; wherein the front portion of each saidplate member is disposed adjacent the front edge of said shank, andwherein the rear portion of each said plate member is spaced outwardlyfrom said shank in a manner such that said plate members form a V-shape;further comprising first and second wing members supported at said rearportion of said first and second plate members, respectively; whereineach said wing member is movably adjustable in a manner such that theangle between each said wing member and each said plate member may beincreased or decreased.
 19. The improvement of claim 18, wherein eachsaid wing member is hinged to the trailing edge of a said plate member.20. A ditching implement which is useful for ditching soil between rowcrops, said implement comprising:(a) a depending shank member; (b) ashield member attached to said shank in a generally horizontal plane;wherein the front edge of said shield member is sloped upwardly; whereinsaid shield member extends outwardly from opposite sides of said shankat least about 8 inches; (c) a V-shaped plate member disposed beneathsaid shield member; wherein said plate member comprises first and secondplates which are secured together at their leading ends; (d) a bracemember connected between said plates; (e) first and second wing members;wherein said wing members are each attached to separate mountingbrackets; and wherein said mounting brackets are adjustably mounted tosaid brace member in a manner such that the angle between each said wingmember and each said plate may be increased or decreased; (f) supportmeans adapted to spport said shank member; wherein when said V-shapedplate member is pulled through the soil said shield member, saidV-shaped plate member, and said wing members urge said soil outwardlyfrom said shank to form a ditch between said row crops.